At the top of Serravalle Hill, in the heart of picturesque Bosa, stands one of Sardinia’s most fascinating castles: the Serravalle Castle, also known as the Malaspina Castle, named after the noble Tuscan lineage that initiated its construction in the 12th century. With its commanding position 118 meters above sea level, the fortress offers unparalleled views of the Temo River, ancient tanneries, church domes and the colorful houses of the medieval village.
Built around 1112 and enlarged until the 14th century, the castle was initially a military bulwark in the Giudicato of Torres, then passed to the judges of Arborea and finally to the Aragonese, bearing witness over the centuries to sieges, power struggles and architectural transformations. Its imposing perimeter of more than 300 meters is interspersed with seven polygonal and square towers, including a light pink trachyte tower attributed to the architect Capula, the same as the famous Cagliari towers of San Pancrazio and dell’Elefante.
Inside the walls is the church of Nostra Signora de Sos Regnos Altos, a palatine chapel built in the 14th century, famous for a striking cycle of medieval frescoes of the Spanish school, dated between 1350 and 1370. The paintings, spread over three walls, depict saints, biblical scenes and allegories of salvation, offering a rare testimony to spirituality and Gothic art on the island.
The castle was also the scene of legends: one tells of the Marquis Malaspina who, blinded by jealousy, mutilated his wife’s fingers and, forgetting the crime, accidentally showed them to guests, thus being discovered and imprisoned. The rocks on the hill are said to be the petrified remains of the fingers or horrified witnesses.
The structure is now visitable and well-preserved thanks to restoration work that has also made accessible the fortified residences of the castellans, the patrol path, towers, and gun stands. Access is via two routes, with stairways from the historic center or from the Sa Costa district, and each visit is transformed into a journey through time, between art, history, and myth.
From Serravalle Castle, the beating heart of Bosa’s history, one dominates a territory that was disputed for centuries, protected by this impregnable stronghold and still capable of enchanting anyone who visits it.